Stratford Woman, 24, Killed In Crash Remembered As A ‘Beautiful Soul’

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford woman killed in a crash on I-95 in Milford earlier this week is being remembered by family as a “beautiful soul,” according to her obituary.

Catherine “Cate” Margaret Palaia died July 12 at the age of 24.

Palaia was driving a Toyota RAV4 on I-95 South in Milford around 10:25 p.m. on July 12 when a tire detached from a pickup truck on the other side of the highway, crossed over the concrete barrier in the median and struck her windshield, according to Connecticut State Police.

Police said the Toyota veered right, crossing all lanes and striking the metal beam guardrail in the right shoulder before crossing back across the highway and coming to a rest in the center median. Palaia was declared dead at the scene, according to police.

Palaia was a “lover of adventure and all that life had to offer” and “never missed an opportunity to try something new,” according to her obituary.

“She embraced every experience with curiosity, courage, and joy, and was a beautiful soul both inside and out,” the obituary states. “She was a quiet, gentle soul who approached each day with purpose—making plans, organizing her next adventure, or dreaming up a new creative project. She always had something ‘in the works.’”

Palaia, who attended Holland Hill Elementary School and Fairfield Woods Middle School, graduated from Our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall before earning her degree in Marine Biology from Roger Williams University.

“Her studies allowed her to pursue her lifelong passion for the ocean, marine life, SCUBA diving, and the outdoors,” according to the obituary. “Wherever Cate went, she formed lasting friendships. She made a point of staying connected with those she loved, always planning the next gathering, the next trip, or asking, ‘Where do we go next?’ She was talented in art, photography, and drawing—whatever she set her mind to, she could accomplish. Just as remarkable as her talents were her humility, kindness, and quiet dignity. Cate was authentically herself and treated everyone she met with warmth and compassion.”

Her family wrote that Palaia “will always be remembered for the smile that could light up a room and for the way she wholeheartedly said ‘yes’ to life.”

“She traveled throughout Italy, France, Canada, Curaçao, Alaska, Maine, Gulf Shores, and along the East Coast on family adventures to Florida,” according to the obituary. “While she loved traveling anywhere, Maine held a special place in her heart. It was where she hoped to one day settle after her van-life adventures.”

Read the full obituary at Lesko Funeral Home here.